The leader glanced at Du Dawei, who was being restrained by several people, then shifted his gaze to the injured and unsteady Mu Yuting, taking a deep breath.
In truth, the leader knew Du Dawei—he was a contract worker from a county bureau nearby, often seen running errands to deliver documents to the municipal office. The leader was also aware of his family situation and had heard that Du Dawei’s troublemaking relatives were not to be trifled with. As for Mu Yuting, she was just an ordinary, well-behaved girl from their own unit.
Weighing the pros and cons, the leader concluded that Mu Yuting was no match for Du Dawei. If things escalated, she might even face retaliation. The best solution was to resolve the matter peacefully—to calm the situation for the benefit of both individuals, avoiding any negative impact on their work and reputations, as well as on the unit itself.
“A-Ting, you’re injured and need to go to the hospital right away. Don’t delay. Du Dawei will cover the medical expenses. As for reporting this to the police, let’s not go that far. If this blows up, it won’t be good for you or the unit,” the leader said gently but firmly.
Hearing this, Du Dawei felt somewhat relieved. It seemed the leader was prioritizing the bigger picture and didn’t want the situation to escalate—clearly siding with him. He quickly nodded, “The leader is right! I’ll do as you say.” He agreed readily to get through the immediate crisis. As for the medical fees? He could always delay payment and deny everything once she recovered.
Mu Yuting, well aware of Du Dawei’s shady nature, refused to let him off. Her eyes reddened, tears welling but not falling, her body trembling slightly as she said in a shaky voice, “Leader, I want to report this and have my injuries documented. Otherwise, in the future…” She left the rest to everyone’s imagination.
The onlookers thought, She’s right—if he isn’t taught a lesson, what’s to stop him from causing trouble again? People naturally sympathize with the vulnerable. Though it was past quitting time, some colleagues had stayed, eager to see how things would unfold.
The leader tried to disperse the crowd and persuade her further, but Mu Yuting stood her ground, weak yet stubbornly unwavering.
Amid the standoff, a nearby patrol car arrived upon hearing the commotion.
What followed proceeded logically: investigation, statement-taking, and a hospital examination. Everything was handled by the book.
As he was led away by the police, Du Dawei shot Mu Yuting a look full of hatred, as if his eyes could slice her to pieces. He never expected a cornered rabbit would bite—and bite so hard it could take a chunk out of him!
Mu Yuting paid no mind to the rogue’s vicious glare. In her previous life, she’d seen it too many times and had become immune. The colleagues, having seen the outcome, gradually dispersed. Only Sister Qin remained by her side, supporting her and accompanying her to the hospital for the examination.
On the way, Mu Yuting called her mother to briefly explain the situation and prevent her from worrying. After all, as a well-behaved daughter for decades, she’d always returned home on time. Tonight, she’d be staying at the hospital for observation and needed to inform her family.
That evening, the hospital wasn’t busy. Mu Yuting cooperated fully with the doctors during the examinations, speaking little.
During a break between tests, Sister Qin said, “A-Ting, I’ve been divorced.”
Calmly, Mu Yuting held her hand and replied, “I know.” Yes, she’d known in her previous life that Sister Qin had gone through a divorce. That was why she knew that, whether others would help or not, at least Sister Qin would be there for her.
There's a saying online that rings true: "There's no real 'empathy' in this world; you don't know the pain until the knife cuts you." Only women who have been deeply wounded in marriage understand the hardships of being a woman best, and are most willing to extend a helping hand to their fellow sisters.
"I was the one who called the police," Sister Qin said, looking straight into her eyes.
"Thank you, Sister Qin," Mu Yuting replied. She had seen it too—the person who quietly slipped away to call the police was Sister Qin's subordinate. "Aren't you afraid this will affect your career?" Helping her meant going against the leader's wishes.
"At my age, I don’t have much hope for career advancement anyway," Sister Qin said with a self-deprecating smile. "You're about the same age as my daughter. I want both of you to have good lives."
"I got divorced because my husband cheated. At the time, our child was about to take the college entrance exams. I didn’t want to divorce, afraid it would affect our child, but he insisted, even resorting to domestic violence... In the end, we still divorced."
Sister Qin’s warm hand squeezed hers gently.
"Life is long. Women should be cautious when stepping into marriage." Those who have been through it always want to offer some life advice to those less experienced, hoping to spare them unnecessary detours.
"Thank you, Sister Qin. But marriage isn’t for me. I’ve... seen through it." It wasn’t just Du Dawei she had seen through, but the very nature and meaning of marriage. Mu Yuting knew she would never enter into marriage in this lifetime.
"Young lady, what do you mean, 'seen through'? Life is still long; don’t lose heart. You should be hopeful about the future." Sister Qin had no plans to remarry herself, nor did she intend to persuade the young woman to marry. She simply didn’t want her to become disheartened over a temporary setback.
"Yes, hopeful about the future!" But not hopeful about marriage. Mu Yuting smiled. She understood the kindness behind those words.
By the time Mu’s Mother rushed over from the outskirts of the city, Mu Yuting had almost finished all her medical examinations.
Seeing that Mu’s Mother had arrived, Sister Qin took the initiative to explain what had happened that afternoon before leaving, reassured.
Accompanied by her mother, Mu Yuting completed the remaining tests. It was already past 8 p.m.
By that hour, the hospital cafeteria had long closed. The two went to a restaurant across from the hospital. The restaurant was also about to close, with only plain congee and steamed rolls left.
Neither minded. Each had a bowl of congee and a steamed roll.
"Mom," Mu Yuting broke the silence.
Mu’s Mother asked with concern, "How are the test results? Does it still hurt?"
"Some bruising on my back, but no bone issues. The main problem is the headache. The doctor said the impact on the back of my head caused a subcutaneous hematoma and a concussion. I need to be hospitalized for observation." Mu Yuting gently touched the bump on the back of her head.
Mu’s Mother fell silent for a moment.
"Tingting, I know Du Dawei was in the wrong today. But by calling the police, you’ve made this a big issue. If there’s nothing seriously wrong with you, I think we should settle this privately." Mu’s Mother finally voiced what she had been thinking.
Tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear and taking a sip of congee, Mu Yuting replied earnestly, "Everyone should pay for their mistakes and face the consequences."
In her previous life, she had wasted ten years on a wrong marriage and paid for a mistaken childbirth with the rest of her life. Now that she had been given a second chance, why should she forgive someone who repeatedly hurt her? Why shouldn’t they pay the price they deserved?
"So what price do you want him to pay? Ruin his reputation, or send him to jail?"
"Intentional harm to another person's body, if it constitutes minor injury or above, enters criminal judicial proceedings and will be subject to criminal liability. If it does not reach the level of minor injury and is only a general public security case, it usually results in a warning, a fine, or at most administrative detention of up to 15 days. (This paragraph is quoted from Baidu)" Mu Yuting's eyes were resolute as she stated her stance.
"You reap what you sow."
"Tingting, Mom is doing this for your own good. There's no need to make a big deal out of this; we should be forgiving where possible..." Mu's Mother reached out to hold her daughter's hand, trying to persuade her.
"There is a need!" Mu Yuting laughed in frustration, pulling her hand away and cutting her mother off. Violence only happens zero times or countless times. If the perpetrator isn't taught a proper lesson the first time they resort to violence, they will become emboldened and continue.
She knew her mother's do-gooder heart was acting up again, overflowing with misplaced sympathy. Her mother, who was so strong-willed in everything, had an intense need to control her children at home, yet possessed an incredibly tolerant, saintly heart toward outsiders. What a contradictory combination.
"Mom, do you think if we let this slide, Du Dawei will feel grateful and never bother us again? Why did he go to my workplace to hand out wedding candies today? Why did he intentionally hurt me? Do you think canceling the engagement is as simple as both families sitting down for a calm talk? You're underestimating how despicable his family is."
"Tingting, don't assume the worst in people. Du Dawei might have gone to your workplace to hand out candies to make you happy. As for him pushing you, it could have been a momentary impulse. To call off the engagement, both families need to sit down and talk properly. If there's a misunderstanding, clear it up. If you truly find he has serious issues, you can break up with him openly and explain your reasons."
"Mom, you're too naive!"
In her past life, because of this naive, do-gooder heart, Mu's Mother was deceived by Du Dawei countless times. Not only did she work as his free nanny, covering living expenses, but she was also drained of millions in retirement savings, only to be met with Du Dawei's mockery in the end: "You're the fool." You volunteered to spend money on me. I won't return a single cent, nor will I support you. Get out of my house with your daughter." He knew full well that the house was bought by Mu's Mother.
Currently, Du Dawei hasn't revealed his true nature yet, so anything Mu Yuting says is unsubstantiated in her mother's eyes. Mu's Mother remains somewhat skeptical. Once Du Dawei starts sweet-talking, she'll be swayed again.
Before the wedding in her previous life, Mu Yuting also wanted to call off the engagement but was eventually dissuaded by her mother's mix of soft and hard tactics. At that time, Du Dawei knelt before Mu's Mother, delivered moving vows of love and declarations of filial piety, and successfully won her over.
But in this life, even if Du Dawei wins over everyone else, he cannot shake Mu Yuting's resolve.
Because Mu Yuting is no longer the obedient girl. She follows only her own heart and seeks just retribution. What she decides to do, no one can stop her. Not even her mother.
Faced with a daughter slipping from her control, Mu's Mother was stunned. "How did you become like this?"
Mu Yuting enunciated each word clearly: "This is for the best. Whoever dares to raise a claw against me, I will cut it off."
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